Pakistan and India are set to face each other for the eighth time in the history of the World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium, a venue capable of accommodating as many as 132,000 spectators, in Ahmedabad, India on October 14.
The hype, the tension, and the expectations are at an all-time high from the fans of both sides and similarly, the 2019 World Cup winning captain, Eoin Morgan weighed in the tomorrow’s clash saying that the team holding their emotion well will perform better.
“I have never been to an India-Pakistan game before and all you hear about is the atmosphere, the noise, the emotions, I think that will be the key to the whole lot of it. Whoever holds their emotions best, will perform the best,” Morgan said in an interview with Sky Sports.
The 37-year-old then analysed both sides saying that Pakistan will have to adjust to playing in a stadium full of Indian supporters.
“Pakistan are coming from Hyderabad where they had a record run chase and the confidence is high, Rizwan said in his press conference that the atmosphere there felt like Rawalpindi with the support that they had,” he added.
“So going from Hyderabad to here [Ahmedabad] is going to be defining. If they hit a four and take a wicket, there’s gonna be absolute silence. So they will need to address that, it is very difficult to break habits that you are used to getting from a reward, it will definitely be a challenge."
The English international then described the most anticipated match of the World Cup as “Box Office” saying that both sides have players in top form and also praised Abdullah Shafique, who scored his maiden ODI hundred.
“Absolutely, box office! When you look at the names on both team sheets and the form they are in. Rohit Sharma scored the fastest hundred by an Indian at the World Cup, Virat looks in sublime form. Well if you go back to the first game against Australia where Mitchell Marsh dropped him, if he catches that ball, it is a completely different start for Virat, you cannot give players like that too many chances,” Morgan added.
“They [India] are playing a side that is equally as good, talented, probably not the experienced. Abdullah Shafique is coming from his first-ever game [at the World Cup] scoring a hundred in a record run-chase, and in a partnership where Rizwan would normally take the lead and be the aggressor, he [Abdullah] was actually the one that was the aggressor.”
Talking about the bowling department, the 37-year-old gave his verdict in the home sides’ favour.
“I would probably lean towards India’s bowling line as being more stronger and in form, bringing Jasprit Bumrah back in just the timely manner. Five months ago, they played in Dublin, he [Bumrah] came in sort of eased way back in with one eye towards the World Cup.
“He is a game changer, four wickets against Afghanistan, building pressure, taking wickets, he is the game changer in both sides. Taking nothing away from Pakistan’s bowling, but I just think the balance of India’s bowling lineup is key for them."
Lastly, he added it is crucial for captains of both sides to hold their emotions well.
“I have never experienced that kind of pressure [for captains]. Outside of performance, you talk about bragging rights, politics, the prime ministers are gonna be there, it's gonna be absolutely crazy. You will see all, catches being held, direct hits changing the game, It is imperative that they manage their emotions well,” he concluded.
